Keith Urban Opens Up About Songs Inspired by Nicole Kidman Amid Divorce News

Country music star Keith Urban recently shared insights into the songs he wrote inspired by his nearly two-decade marriage to actress Nicole Kidman, shedding light on the stories behind some fan favorites. Speaking candidly on Rob Lowe’s podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe in September 2024, Urban addressed the assumption that all his love songs are about Kidman — a misconception he was quick to clarify.

“People think that everything I write is about [Nicole] and of course, you know, a lot of things are and a lot of things aren’t,” Urban said. He recounted how fans speculated over the song “Brown Eyes Baby,” noting, “I had X amount of people going, ‘Well that, you can’t sing a song about a brown-eyed girl, I mean, she’s got blue eyes. She must have been so angry.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, no, not really, it’s just a song. It’s just a song.’”

The Songs About Nicole

Urban and Kidman married in 2006 after meeting in 2005 at a gala in Los Angeles, and have two daughters together. Over the years, Keith has confirmed that at least five of his songs were written about Nicole or inspired by their relationship.

• “Once in a Lifetime”
  During a 2014 concert in Melbourne, Urban revealed the 2006 track was penned during their engagement. Reflecting on Kidman’s nerves about marrying him, he said the song was meant to reassure her about their future together.
• “Got It Right This Time (The Celebration)”
  Also written in 2006, the song reflects the growth of their marriage. Urban told The Boot in 2015 that the track evolved alongside their relationship, with later recordings adding new meaning to its optimistic hook.
• “Thank You”
  Released in 2009, this song was a heartfelt expression of gratitude toward Kidman, whom Urban credited as an incredible source of strength during difficult times.
• “The Fighter”
  This 2016 duet with Carrie Underwood was inspired by a conversation Urban had with Kidman before their wedding. The song captures his desire to protect and care for her through life’s challenges. Just days before their divorce announcement in 2025, Urban performed a version of “The Fighter” with altered lyrics referencing his bandmate Maggie Baugh, which surprised fans.
• “Gemini”
  Off his 2018 album Graffiti U, Urban confirmed this playful track was about Kidman. Known for its mix of fun and admiration, he told iNews in 2019 that she loves the song, which highlights both her intellect and spirited nature.

Addressing Misconceptions

Urban emphasized that not every song he writes is about Nicole, highlighting that many are “observational” or inspired by other experiences. His recent performance tweak and candidness about his songwriting process underline how his music reflects various facets of his life—not just his marriage.

Following news of Kidman filing for divorce in September 2025, fans have revisited these songs with renewed interest, finding new layers of meaning in their lyrics.

Keith Urban’s openness about his songs and relationship offers a glimpse into the complexities of love, growth, and artistry — reminding fans that while music often draws from personal experience, it also tells stories beyond one individual.